Sorry if this is a pretty novice question, but how can I tell by looking at a transistor whether it is PNP or NPN?

The only real difference I can see physically between the transistors I have is the on some the legs go straight down, on others the outside legs bend outwards before going down. Not sure if this makes any difference though.

Originally posted by Tezmyster@Jun 1 2005, 07:39 AMSorry if this is a pretty novice question, but how can I tell by looking at a transistor whether it is PNP or NPN?

The only real difference I can see physically between the transistors I have is the on some the legs go straight down, on others the outside legs bend outwards before going down. Not sure if this makes any difference though.

Many thanks.

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You'll need to look up the part number. The package is just a package. It might not even be a transistor!

If it is a transistor, then you can use an ohmmeter to check the junctions.

Thanks for the advice guys (and sorry the late reply) but I decided since I'm not really needing to look specifically at transistors but rather small scale circuits I picked up one of those training lab kits where the component connectors are just springs and you can quickly put down and pull apart circuits. Since I'm only really learning I figured it's the best way to start.

Originally posted by Tezmyster@Jun 13 2005, 09:55 AMThanks for the advice guys (and sorry the late reply) but I decided since I'm not really needing to look specifically at transistors but rather small scale circuits I picked up one of those training lab kits where the component connectors are just springs and you can quickly put down and pull apart circuits. Since I'm only really learning I figured it's the best way to start.

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I was curious once about electronics and that led to an electronics engeering degree. I have a voltage controlled oscillater on both voyager probes. I have oscillators on many military aircraft. I have an oscillator still on the moon that is handmade by me. Oscillators are not my only expertise. If I had not been curious about electronics someone else would have designed and built these circuits. Go to school and learn. I started learning with vacuum tubes. You have a bigger advantage than I had. Go for it. GET FORMAL TRANING!!!.